Massachusetts has a long political history; earlier political structures included the Mayflower Compact of 1620, the separate Massachusetts Bay and Plymouth colonies, and the combined colonial Province of Massachusetts.

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Geographical and historical treatment of Massachusetts, constituent state (officially called a commonwealth) of the United States, located in the northeastern corner of the country.

Massachusetts is a state in the northeastern United States, within the region known as New England. Officially styled a commonwealth rather than a state, it covers approximately 10,554 square miles, making it the 44th largest state in the country and the seventh smallest.

From the Atlantic Ocean to the Taconic Mountains, Massachusetts offers rich experiences both in cities and nature.

Massachusetts is nicknamed "The Bay State" because of several large bays, which distinctly shape its coast: Massachusetts Bay and Cape Cod Bay, to the east; Buzzards Bay, to the south; and several cities and towns on the Massachusetts–Rhode Island border sit adjacent to Mount Hope Bay.

Travel together. Explore a variety of activities for families from unique museums, to historic towns, to outdoor adventures, and more across Massachusetts.

Massachusetts - Culture, Arts, Education: The blending of an Old World heritage and a New World spirit produced a bountiful cultural environment in Massachusetts.

But if you want to narrow it down a little, our travel guide has some must-sees for each region in Massachusetts, a highway map, and some really pretty photos. To receive a free Massachusetts Travel Guide in the mail, please fill out this form.

Description: This map shows states boundaries, the state capital, counties, county seats, cities, towns, and islands in Massachusetts.